Local army veteran and Mandurah Returned and Services League (RSL) President Dave Mabbs is Mandurah’s latest Local Legend.
The third generation serviceman was recognised by Mandurah Council last month for his outstanding leadership at the RSL sub-branch, and the support and care he provides to local veterans and their families.
Mayor Rhys Williams said Mr Mabbs was an amazing leader who had given years of support and service to the local community through his work at the Mandurah RSL.
“Dave spends a great deal of his time looking after the welfare of veterans and their families at the local RSL, and his door is always open to those in need of a safe space and a listening ear,” he said.
“Under his leadership, the Mandurah RSL has seen a shift towards a more vibrant, community-based organisation that is inclusive and open to the wider community, which now has close to 800 members. A huge thanks to Dave for all the incredible work he’s done over the years. Our local veterans, and the wider community in general, are better off because of you.”
Mr Mabbs was discharged from the army in 2001 after 22 years of service. He been a member of the Mandurah RSL since 2002 and has held various positions in the organisation, including President from 2008 to 2016, and then again in 2019 until present time.
In 2019, Mr Mabbs was awarded Life Membership of RSLWA, and has been part of organising and marching in a variety of commemorative days in Mandurah for 17 years. He was also integral to relocating the sub-branch to its current home on Rouse Road.
Mr Mabbs regularly speaks at school assemblies in the Mandurah area, sharing his stories of his 20 years of service, and he also oversees the interview process for Cadets wishing to attend the annual Quiet Lion Tour in Thailand.
